Protest Against Agitation By Locals At IMFA Plant

Rayagada: Four labour organisations on Thursday took out a rally against the ongoing agitation by locals in front of the main gate of IMFA plant at Therubali in Rayagada district.

A six-member delegation of District Adivasi Mahasangh and IMFA’s labourers’ association, employees’ association and contractual workers’ association also met collector Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar and alleged that the strike was affecting services at the factory.

Meanwhile, the protest by a group of locals in front of the plant continued for the second day. The agitators informed that they will withdraw their strike, if their demands are fulfilled today.

The agitators had on Wednesday alleged that they had withdrawn their 18-day protest on May 11 after the district administration assured them that their demands will be considered, but no heed has so far been paid in this regard.

They threatened to intensify their strike, if the district officials continue to remain callous towards their plight.

The locals, including tribals of seven panchayats of the district, had started their protest to press for their nine-point charter of demands like regularisation of jobs of contractual employees of the plant, basic amenities and jobs for unemployed youths in the company.

The protestors had earlier ransacked the machinery, CCTV cameras and lights installed near the factory gate.

However, the agitation was withdrawn following a tripartite meeting convened between the district officials, plant authorities and the agitators.

At the meeting, the district officials had assured the agitators to fulfill most of their demands.